Give me all the dogs
that are standing in pens
in their own crap and pee.
Give me all the dogs
that have never been
loved or had sympathy.
Give me all the dogs
that are so matted and
filthy, their skin is rotting.
Give me all the dogs
whose feet never touched grass
and have never heard their people singing.
Give me all the dogs
who are wandering and lost because
their people really wanted stuffed animals.
Give me all the dogs
that are smothered
in plastic bags by the armfuls.
Give me all the dogs
that are ancient, blind, deaf and
suddenly find that their people are gone.
Give me all the dogs
that have been dropped by the side of the road
or on someone else’s lawn.
Give me all the dogs
that are tied outside, looking in your windows
and only see people when they get their meals.
Give me all the dogs
so at least they can get one hug and kiss
before their fates are sealed.
Give me all the people
who are responsible for this cruelty
so that I can put them on display
in crates or drop them off in deserts
in the middle of the day.
Give me all the people.
Give me all the dogs.
Debb Miller
NaPoWriMo 2013 